Carlton Now Tries to Talk a Good Game

ARLINGTON, Va. — Proclaiming "I know I can still win," Steve Carlton says he is willing to take a lower salary to pitch in the major leagues, USA Today reported Monday.

"I love baseball," Carlton said in an interview with the newspaper. "I'm agreeable to sign something for a modest contract that would include incentives.

"If I didn't think I could pitch, I would walk away from it, but I know I can still win," said the four-time National League Cy Young winner, who was cut by the Philadelphia Phillies March 21.

Last season, Carlton pitched for the San Francisco Giants and Chicago White Sox after being released by the Phillies.

"I was like a barnstormer last season," Carlton said. "It was a frustrating and emotional adjustment. After my first start with Chicago, (Hall of Famer) Don Drysdale picked up what I was doing wrong. He helped me . . . then I had nine quality starts."

Carlton, 42, had a combined 5-11 record with a 5.89 earned-run average for the Phillies and Giants last season. He had a 4-3 record with a 3.69 ERA for the White Sox.